Why
PetMD lists fat trimmings among the foods that can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and warns they can lead to pancreatitis.
What to do instead
- Share only lean, plain cooked meat.
Safer swaps from the same group: chicken, fish, salmon, turkey.
Watch out for
- Holiday leftovers are a common culprit.
If your cat ate fat trimmings
- Note how much your cat ate and when, and keep any packaging.
- Call your vet, an emergency clinic, ASPCA Animal Poison Control ((888) 426-4435) or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661).
- Don't make your cat vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Other meat, fish and eggs: quick answers
| Food | Verdict | Short answer |
|---|---|---|
| Bones | Avoid | No. Bones can injure or block a cat's gut, which may need surgery. |
| Meat baby food | Avoid | Best avoided. Meat baby food is often seasoned with onion or garlic. |
| Raw meat | Avoid | Best avoided. Raw meat can carry Salmonella and E. coli. |
| Eggs | Small amounts | Cooked egg is the only option to consider; raw eggs are a no. |
| Tuna | Small amounts | Only a little, once in a while. Tuna made for people should not be a regular part of a cat's diet. |
| Chicken | Safe | Yes. Plain, thoroughly cooked chicken with no bones, skin or seasoning is a safe treat. |
| Fish | Safe | Yes, if it is cooked, plain and boneless. Raw fish is best avoided. |
| Salmon | Safe | Yes, cooked and plain. Raw fish is not a good idea for cats. |
Rules for any new food
- Plain is the rule: no salt, butter, oil, onion, garlic, sugar or sweeteners. Most of the danger in human food comes from what is added to it.
- Keep all treats under 10% of your cat's daily calories . The rest should come from a complete cat food.
- Check labels for onion and garlic powder, which turn up in stock, gravy, baby food and seasoned meat.
- If your cat has a health condition, such as diabetes, kidney disease or a sensitive stomach, ask your vet before adding any new food.
Frequently asked questions
Are fat trimmings safe for cats?
Best avoided. Fatty scraps can cause stomach upset and pancreatitis.
What should I do if my cat ate fat trimmings?
Most cats are fine after a small amount, but watch for vomiting, diarrhea or a change in behavior, and call your vet if anything worries you.
Sources
Checked October 17, 2026. We are a reference, not a vet: if in doubt, call yours. How we check.